Brittle nails

We updated this article in April 2022 to add more information about each featured product, based on extensive research done by our team (and that of our sister team at the If you deal with suggests you may have damaged digits. Constant Nail strengthening products usually come in the form of clear polish, though sometimes can be found in a cream-like formula that you just rub on. Strengtheners often add a hard coating to the nail while also infusing them with nourishing ingredients to help repair damage. “Nail strengtheners help protect the nail in several ways. First, they seal in moisture to combat dry, brittle nails,” explains Now that you know a little bit more about how nail strengtheners work, it’s time to find the ideal one for you. Check out the effective and affordable options below to give your nails the love they deserve. How we chose We consulted Dr. Farber, Sometimes the best things come in small, affordable packages, like this nail strengthener that’s under $5. The GHI rated this the best value option thanks to its “tried and true” formula, originally developed in 1957. “ I've been using it for years and it seems to do a great job of keeping my nails hard,” one panelist marveled. Film formers, like nitrocellulose, impart a hard, glossy barrier on the nail preventing it from any damage. It’s available in two variants of clear and tinted, which can help lessen the look of discoloration. The sweet scent of this polish (reminiscent of watermelon) will instantly bo...

Having dry, brittle nails that break or tear isn't just annoying—it can be downright painful. If you find yourself suffering from nail breakage, there are a handful of lifestyle changes that can help your nails get back to a healthy, smooth, and strong state. We reached out to a dietitian, a dermatologist, and, of course, a licensed nail artist to fill us in on how to prevent your nails from breaking, once and for all. From exactly how to bolster your diet to which environmental factors may be wreaking havoc on your digits, these experts tackle nail health from every angle. They weigh in on the bad habits to break, the biotin myths to beware of, and your best bets for achieving the nails you've always wanted. Keep reading for all the expert-approved tips to learn how to keep your nails from breaking. Improve Your Diet and Increase Biotin Intake Like so much of our outward appearance—from how clear our skin is to how shiny our hair is—nail health begins with the nutrients we put in our body. "Eating a well-balanced diet as well as increasing your biotin intake is your best bet for helping to strengthen your nails," explains registered dietitian Melissa Bailey, MS, RD, LDD of Bailey notes the highest amounts of biotin are found in animal proteins, like eggs, chicken, and salmon. However, you can also consume biotin in plant-based foods including nuts, seeds, spinach, and sweet potatoes. "For comparison, an egg yolk contains approximately 10 micrograms of biotin while a servi...

Sometimes fingernails develop harmless vertical ridges that run from the cuticle to the tip of the nail. Vertical ridges tend to become more prominent with age. Fingernails can also develop white lines or spots due to injury, but these eventually grow out with the nail. Not all nail conditions are normal, however. Consult your doctor or dermatologist if you notice: • Changes in nail color, such as discoloration of the entire nail or a dark streak under the nail • Changes in nail shape, such as curled nails • Thinning or thickening of the nails • Separation of the nail from the surrounding skin • Bleeding around the nails • Swelling or pain around the nails • Failure of nails to grow out To keep your fingernails looking their best: • Keep fingernails dry and clean. This prevents bacteria from growing under your fingernails. Repeated or prolonged contact with water can contribute to split fingernails. Wear cotton-lined rubber gloves when washing dishes, cleaning or using harsh chemicals. • Practice good nail hygiene. Use a sharp manicure scissors or clippers. Trim your nails straight across, then round the tips in a gentle curve. • Use moisturizer. When you use hand lotion, rub the lotion into your fingernails and cuticles, too. • Apply a protective layer. Applying a nail hardener might help strengthen nails. • Ask your doctor about biotin. Some research suggests that the nutritional supplement biotin might help strengthen weak or brittle fingernails. To prevent nail damage,...

Weak nails that can easily break or bend before snapping can be a real inconvenience, not to mention a real kicker to one’s confidence. But as tempting as it is to hide your thin and peeling nails under a permanent gel or acrylic manicure, there are plenty of lifestyle tweaks that, collectively, can bring your nails back to their former glory. So, what causes our nails to become weak and brittle in the first place? “Our nails are made up of layers of keratin, a protein that’s also found in our hair and skin,” says Rhonda Klein, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist in Westport, Connecticut. “As we age, the cells in our bodies produce keratin at a slower rate, which can cause the nails to weaken and appear dry and dull.” It’s not just the aging process that can do a number on our nails, though, she adds. Exposure to elements—extreme cold, excessive hand-washing, and contact with chemicals—can all exhaust your nails, leaving them dry and vulnerable. Fortunately, that also means much of what it takes to strengthen your nails is (literally) in your hands—and here’s exactly how to make it happen, according to doctors: Frequently moisturizing your nails and the surrounding skin with a safely care for your cuticles at home. 2. Keep your nails on the shorter side. While some of us feel the most glam after growing long fingernails, it’s not the best way to build up your nail’s strength. “If you’re having trouble with weak nails, consider cutting down the length while you build up t...

Brittle nails affect up to 20% of the population. They are more common among women and people over 50 years old. Symptoms of Brittle Nails Brittle nails are typically thin, weak, and fragile. You might notice that it’s easier for them to split, bend, break, chip, tear, crack, or peel. They can be either dry or soft, and they may look “worn down.” • Exposure to too much or too little moisture (through excessive hand-washing and drying or living in a humid environment) • Damage from detergents and other cleaning products • • Nutritional deficiencies, such as • Thyroid disorders, including • Skin conditions, such as • Certain cancer treatments, such as chemotherapy • Using certain cosmetic products, such as gel nails and nail polish remover • Fungal infections • Autoimmune and inflammatory disorders, such as • Direct trauma to the nail • Shaping and filing your nails on a regular basis • Buffing your nails in the same direction as their natural growth • Avoiding metal nail care instruments • Wearing protective gloves when doing household chores • Applying lotions that contain • Taking a • Using nail polish and nail polish remover less often, or choosing nail polish that contains nylon fibers • Avoiding gel nails • Eating foods rich in protein, iron, and zinc • Applying a nail hardener regularly If your brittle nails are caused by another health problem, such as hypothyroidism, treating that condition directly will most likely improve the appearance and strength of your nails....

Maybe your goal is long, strong nails that always look Instagram-ready. But you may be stuck with brittle nails that break or split the moment they grow. If so, you’re definitely not alone: Brittle nails, formerly known as onychoschizia, are quite common, especially for vagina owners, according to the Causes. Brittle nails can simply be the result of aging or too much or too little moisture due to external factors, like washing your hands too much. But they can also be a result of an underlying condition such as anemia, hypothyroidism, or Reynaud’s syndrome. Treatment. Showing your nails extra TLC is the key. Moisturize more, protect your hands with gloves when necessary, and regularly file your nails. If your brittle nails have developed due to general aging, there’s not much you can do to stop the process (sorry!). There are also no medications or treatments that a doctor can prescribe to strengthen your nails from the effects of aging. But there are things you can do at home to treat and try to prevent brittle nails. These are fairly simple — you can incorporate them into your daily routine, no problem. Moisturize If your nails are dry and brittle, try moisturizing more often. Start using an ultra-hydrating Make sure you always moisturize after Protect your hands Soft and brittle nails can be a sign that your nails are actually a little too hydrated. You might spend time doing Sound like you? Start protecting those digits by wearing gloves whenever your hands are going ...

Nail fungus Nail fungus can cause the nail to become thick, ragged and discolored. An infected nail may separate from the nail bed. Nail fungus is a common infection of the nail. It begins as a white or yellow-brown spot under the tip of your fingernail or toenail. As the fungal infection goes deeper, the nail may discolor, thicken and crumble at the edge. Nail fungus can affect several nails. If your condition is mild and not bothering you, you may not need treatment. If your nail fungus is painful and has caused thickened nails, self-care steps and medications may help. But even if treatment is successful, nail fungus often comes back. Symptoms Symptoms of nail fungus include a nail or nails that are: • Thickened • Discolored • Brittle, crumbly or ragged • Misshapen • Separated from the nail bed • Smelly Nail fungus can affect fingernails, but it's more common in toenails. When to see a doctor You may want to see a health care provider if self-care steps haven't helped and the nail becomes increasingly discolored, thickened or misshapen. Also talk with your health care provider if you have: • Diabetes and think you're developing nail fungus • Bleeding around the nails • Swelling or pain around the nails • Difficulty walking Vivien Williams: There's nothing like getting pampered with a pedicure. But before you dip your toes in the water, check to be sure the spa is licensed properly. Rachel Miest, M.D., Department of Dermatology, Mayo Clinic: Oftentimes, those licenses co...

Nutrient deficiencies can affect your fingernail growth and strength. Some supplements and a nutritious diet may help support healthy nails. Your fingernails can say a lot about your health. Nail beds constantly give rise to nail tissue, and adequate vitamin, mineral and nutrient intakes help support the growth, formation and strength of new nail cells. A change in the appearance, texture or shape of your nails could indicate nutrient deficiencies. Here are the 8 most important vitamins and nutrients to keep your nails healthy. Share on Pinterest Biotin is a It promotes healthy cell growth and aids in the metabolism of protein-building amino acids that are essential for nail growth. Biotin-rich foods and supplements may help strengthen your brittle fingernails. A few small studies support biotin supplement use to that effect ( One study in 35 people with brittle fingernails found that 2.5 mg of biotin per day for six weeks to seven months improved symptoms in 63% of participants ( Deficiency in this vitamin is rare, and while there is no Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) for biotin, the Adequate Intake (AI) recommendation for adults has been set at 30 mcg per day ( Biotin is most concentrated in Summary Biotin deficiency is rare, but consuming biotin through foods or supplements may help strengthen brittle nails and improve their growth. Other B vitamins are also important for nail health. A Likewise, A deficiency in folate can cause a pigment change in your nails and ma...

My nails are ridiculously brittle—like, the kind of brittle that causes year-round peeling and chipping. Sure, they look fine after I slap on a few coats of polish, but the majority of weaker—especially if you're using help restore your damaged nail beds with vitamins, proteins, and hydrating BTW: There are so many nail strengtheners on the market right now that anyone can benefit from them, whether you’ve got naturally weak nails like me, or you just need something to counteract your gel mani habit. Plus, they’re kind of a genius way to level up your Some nail hardeners rely on harsh chemicals, like formaldehyde, to strengthen nails, but not this formula. It’s f ree of 10 controversial ingredients, including DBP, xylene, and parabens, but packed with nail-fortifying ones, like biotin, B vitamin, and calcium. This base coat works to treat your nails as it primes them for polish. If you refuse to take time off between manis because you despise the look of bare nails, but your peeling, broken tips could really use some TLC, try this nail polish and treatment combo from the cult-favorite It has what your fragile nails need (collagen) but also all the color and sheer coverage you want—the best of both worlds, really. Okay, so this four-part Process, but for those with truly damaged nails, each step is important. Complete with the Rejuvenail Fortifying Nail & Cuticle Treatment, Launchpad Nail Strengthener (which is infused with keratin protein), High Maintenance Instant Nail Th...

Nail problems are common, and they are not usually serious. If a person has multiple sclerosis (MS), nail problems can cause pain or discomfort. While nail issues are not directly related to the disease, determining the cause may help prevent a person with MS from experiencing further discomfort. There is no clear link between MS and issues with the nails. If a person notices changes in their nails, it may be due to the nail itself or the skin underneath it. Changes in the nails may be due to environmental factors that affect the wider population in the same way, including trauma or prolonged exposure to dyes, such as nail polish. Nail issues In this article, we look at the possible causes of various nail changes and how to treat them. Share on Pinterest GoodLifeStudio/Getty Images MS is an autoimmune disease that causes the immune system to attack healthy cells. MS can cause weakness and paresthesia. Sometimes, paresthesia can affect the fingers or toes, but having MS does not make this more likely. However, the sensation can make a person feel like there is something wrong with their nails. It is important to note diminished sensations in the body, particularly in the arms or legs, as they can put a person at risk of an injury they might not notice or be aware has happened. People with MS can also experience pain Nail abnormalities can occur for many reasons and are not exclusive to people with MS. Environmental factors, vitamin deficiency, or prescribed medication are u...